DAY SEVEN

We got up bright and early today and went to church at Casa de Esperanza. We arrived and walked down a beautiful tree covered sidewalk. We started into the church to take our seats when we were met by the kids from the orphanage. The excitement was so amazing. Caity Davis first saw Daniela and introduced us as we both knew, Daniela was really looking for Michael. The next few minutes were more than this Mom's heart could take. I went in and sat down and watched the interaction between a little girl and the man she has called Papi! What a rush of emotions took over my entire being. I just couldn't help myself as the tears began to flow. It was a feeling I won't soon forget actually not ever!!! As church started I watched as every so often Daniela would gently touch Mike's cheek as if to make sure he was really there....really holding his precious little dark haired girl. After church was over we went back to the orphanage with the kids and the introductions began. It was great to see the kids face to face that I had grown to know and love through all of Michael's pictures. The kids went in for lunch and then it was nap time so we had to leave for a while. We were supposed to pour some concrete for their soccer field but Mother Nature had other ideas and we weren't able to do it for them.

We headed up the road for a wonderful lunch and then went to walk around in a village area where there were little shops and a fun Sunday afternoon for the Hondurans. While we were there, Ashley got a call that the kids were up from their naps and wanted to know where we were... so we headed back to Casa.

There I was met with the most beautiful little girl with the biggest hug I could ever have imagined as I got to the end of the sidewalk. I was thrilled. Her eyes looked up the sidewalk and she said one simple word...Mike!!! I assured her he was coming. With that it was up on Mike's shoulders, jumping on the trampoline, or just sitting together enjoying their time with each other after 3 months.

We had dinner with the kids and my trip just got better and better. Daniela came over and sat with me while she ate...she hugged on me....and I loved every minute of it. The team sensed what was going on during all of the exchanges with Mike and Daniela and someone came over and said something about me being a proud Mama. Truer words were never spoken at that moment. Here was Michael walking around with Daniela on his shoulders and Daniel walking around with various children up on his shoulders.

When it was time for showers and bed, we said our good-byes and this someday a Grandma got her hug from her little Daniela. It was an exit I could deal with because I know we get to take them to dinner tomorrow night. The next exit will be filled with tears I'm sure.